The Art of Tipping

We've all been there-finishing off a meal at a nice restaurant, getting our bags checked in the hotel, enjoying the finishing touches of a haircut or manicure-and suddenly, we start thinking to ourselves: Wait. Am I supposed to tip? How much? Exactly how bad is it if I don't? Welp, your worries are over. Here's everything you ever needed to know about tipping like a champ.

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Tip? But Why?

Tipping for services in America actually began in the late 1800s, post-Civil War. The idea behind tipping is, obviously, to lend thanks for services rendered. Although the practice of tipping varies by culture and is even debated here in the U.S., it is standard practice in many situations and even the primary means of income for employees of certain service industries. So, which industries? And how much? Read on...

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Restaurant Service

Dining out is the most common instance when you'll be expected to tip, particularly when you are receiving table service. Many servers make the majority of their income from the tips they receive, so it's important that you always tip at a restaurant when you're receiving table service. Generally, 15% of your pre-tax total is the standard tip amount for a full-service restaurant. You can adjust this amount from 10% up to even 30% depending on the quality of the service.

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Delivery

Another common tipping scenario is food delivery. Many places charge a delivery fee to bring food to your home, however, this often doesn't include payment for the driver. If you're unsure, you should confirm when placing your order. If tip isn't included, give 10-15% of your bill, depending on how difficult the delivery was to make (if it took them half an hour to navigate your confusing apartment complex, you might want to thank them a little extra).

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Bartenders

Let the good times roll...and keep the drinks coming! One of the best ways to create a good rapport with your bartender is to tip $1 or $2 per drink, or 15-20% of your tab. If you tip well, they'll remember you when you return for your next round. If you tip poorly or not at all, they'll remember that too.

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Valet

Generally, expect to tip about $2-$5 to your valet, which is typically given when you pick up your car. However, if you want to be extra sure your car is being well cared for, tipping an additional $2-$3 beforehand is a sign of good faith.

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Salons

For any salon services rendered 15-20% is a typical tipping range. This same principle can be applied to spa treatments (such as massage therapy or nail services) as well.

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Transportation

Whether you're hailing a yellow cab or a calling up an Uber, expect to tip about 15-20% of your fare charge, with a minimum of $1. Contrary to popular belief, tipping generally is not included in the fee for Uber and Lyft rides.

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Hotel Service

For hotel staff assisting with luggage, tip $2 for the first bag and $1 for each additional bag, regardless of how many people are helping you. Tip the concierge anywhere from $5-$15 for making restaurant reservations or obtaining tickets, especially if they're hard to get!

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But do I ALWAYS have to tip?

Nope, not always! There are also some circumstances when you're not obligated to tip. Keep these in mind the next time you're out and aboutu2026

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Tip Jars

What do you make out of those ambiguous little tipping jars? There's no obligation to tip, but feel free, especially if you frequent the establish often (oh, they'll remember) or, for example, if your complicated latte order took a significant amount of effort.

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Take Out

Generally, there's no expectation to tip when you order takeout at a restaurant, since you are covering the delivery (and service!) yourself. However, feel free to tip 10% if your order was very large or complicated-or, again, if you frequent the establishment often and want to foster a good relationship with the staff.

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Gratuity Included

If you have a large party of diners or are at an establishment where "Automatic Gratuity Included" is on the menu, you're not obligated to tip, since anywhere from 15-20% has already been added to your bill. If your service was exceptional, you can leave an additional tip, but otherwise, there's no need.

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Need Extra Help?

If math isn't your thing, and you need an easy way to figure out your tip, consider a tipping app like Gratuity. It's easy to use, lets you choose between six different kinds of services, and even has a bill-splitting option if you're out with friends. And to see even more tip recommendations organized visually, check out this neat infographic!